The best facial I ever received was at the Golden Haven Hot Springs spa in Calistoga, CA. The beautician mixed the mask right before applying it. The mask was made only of fruit with the main ingredient being papaya. I was so pleased with the results and it smelled delicious.
Since that facial, I have been open to the idea that effective beauty products don't have to come from the cosmetic counter and they don't have to be expensive. Here are some of my favorites and a few that are highly recommended by friends.
Olive Oil I use warm olive oil as a deep conditioner for the ends of my hair every few months. A little goes a long way so use it sparingly.
While you're at it, rub some on your cuticles to soften them. One word of caution – do not use before going out. The one side effect is that you will smell like salad dressing for 4 to 6 hours, but it's worth it.
Bag Balm Bag Balm has been used for over 100 years on cattle, horses and other domestic animals. It is loaded with lanolin and helps soothe chapping and moistens skin. I used it growing up as a kid for my own cows and now I use it as a moisturizer for my lips. I have yet to come across anything that works better. A tin of Bag Balm will last for years.
Vaseline Vaseline is one of the most versatile products created. I use it to remove eye makeup. Occasionally, I slather it on my feet and put socks on before going to bed. The next morning my feet are soft and smooth. A dot of Vaseline can also keep unruly eyebrows in check.
Preparation H According to Rona Berg, the author of
Beauty, The New Basics, some models really do use Preparation H to reduce puffiness under their eyes.
Cowboy Magic My dad has been anxious to pass on to Budget Savvy readers a tip he learned from his friend, Angela Gomes of Evans Feed in Chowchilla, CA. She swears by
Cowboy Magic to detangle her curly hair. Although it was developed for horses, it works beautifully on humans.
Witch Hazel Prior to applying my papaya facial, the beautician at the Gold Haven Hot Springs used Witch Hazel as an astringent for my skin.
Dickenson's Witch Hazel contains only natural extracts to help remove impurities from pores.
Baby Oil Do you want to get the softest skin you will ever have in your adult life? Liberally apply baby oil to your damp skin after showering and let it dry naturally. The downside is that you have to stand naked in your bathroom for five minutes as you dry. The upside is how silky smooth your skin will feel.
Baby Shampoo Every 10 days or so I use
Johnson's Baby Shampoo to rid my hair of the residue built up from my regular shampoo. My best hair days are always right after I use the baby shampoo.
